Christmas Decorating Party—December 17, at noon!

Yep, you read that right. We are decorating for Christmas on December 17th, both the BIGroom and finishing decorating the sanctuary.

Many people have asked me about why we are decorating so late, and it is because we are doing something a little different during the season of Advent.

First, let me assure you that we are going to decorate the church for Christmas, and it will look spectacular as usual. We are just getting there by a different road this year. A group of people—Sally Campbell, Ann Patterson, Gary Elmquist, Sally Ponfick, Jerri Modral, Pr. Garret, and I—have been meeting to talk about what we can do to highlight the beauty of Advent. Our plans are not secret, (well, OK, there will be a couple surprises!) and most of them are listed below. The idea and hope is to draw our attention to Advent as a time to wait and prepare. Here are the highlights.

Throughout the season there will be some changes in lighting. Think of it as a slow motion sunrise. Each week will also include things to engage your other senses. Things to taste, smell, touch, hear or see.

Each week will also have small changes to how the sanctuary looks. Christmas decorations will be added in thoughtful ways to highlight what is happening in the texts we share in worship. Watch the nativity scene, look at the colors, and figure out what has been added to the room.

We are inviting you to take some of the Advent preparation home, too! Each week there will be a piece of an Advent display to take home!

Look for signs about what is happening each week, listen for announcements and ask questions! We hope that you will enjoy a little different Advent experience this year at First.

Christmas Weekend Worship

Christmas Decorating Party—December 17, at noon!

Yep, you read that right. We are decorating for Christmas on December 17th, both the BIGroom and finishing decorating the sanctuary.

Many people have asked me about why we are decorating so late, and it is because we are doing something a little different during the season of Advent.

First, let me assure you that we are going to decorate the church for Christmas, and it will look spectacular as usual. We are just getting there by a different road this year. A group of people—Sally Campbell, Ann Patterson, Gary Elmquist, Sally Ponfick, Jerri Modral, Pr. Garret, and I—have been meeting to talk about what we can do to highlight the beauty of Advent. Our plans are not secret, (well, OK, there will be a couple surprises!) and most of them are listed below. The idea and hope is to draw our attention to Advent as a time to wait and prepare. Here are the highlights.

Throughout the season there will be some changes in lighting. Think of it as a slow motion sunrise. Each week will also include things to engage your other senses. Things to taste, smell, touch, hear or see.

Each week will also have small changes to how the sanctuary looks. Christmas decorations will be added in thoughtful ways to highlight what is happening in the texts we share in worship. Watch the nativity scene, look at the colors, and figure out what has been added to the room.

We are inviting you to take some of the Advent preparation home, too! Each week there will be a piece of an Advent display to take home!

Look for signs about what is happening each week, listen for announcements and ask questions! We hope that you will enjoy a little different Advent experience this year at First.